Non-isothermal DSC and TG/DTG analysis of the combustion of silopi asphaltites

In this research, non-isothermal combustion and kinetics of Silopi (Turkey) asphaltite samples were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). A sample size of 10 mg, heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 200C min(-1) were used in the temperature range of 20-600 degrees C, under air atmosphere. Two reaction regions were observed in DSC curves. The first region is due to the evaporation of moisture in asphaltite sample whereas, release of volatile matter and burning of carbon is called the second region. A general computer program was developed and the results of four different kinetic models (Arrhenius, Coats-Reffern, Ingraham-Marrier and Horowitz Metzger) are compared and discussed with regards to their accuracy and the ease of interpretation of the kinetics of thermal decomposition. In general similar activation energy values were obtained when the kinetic models are compared with each other. It was also observed that there was no general trend in the activation energy values from the point of heating rates.